Title: Clinical and Ultrasonographic Assessment of Liver Span in Children
Authors: Dr Sripriya R, Dr Karthick AR, Dr Natarajan, Dr Gangadharan S
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i8.59
Abstract
Background: Hepatomegaly is an important clue to a variety of systemic pathological conditions. Palpable liver does not denote hepatomegaly. Measurement of liver span is more reliable than palpation just below costal margin. Ultrasonographic evaluation of liver size provides accurate measurement of liver size. This study was carried out to find the correlation of clinical and ultrasound measurement of liver size in various age groups and correlation of each with age, sex, height and weight.
Methods: 600 children from newborn to 12 years of age were included in the study. Using a structured proforma, baseline data, clinical liver span and ultrasound measurement of liver were documented.
Results: The mean (SD) liver span by clinical method was 5.6 (0.426) in the newborn period and it closely correlated with ultrasound measurement of 5.7 (0.375). The correlation existed in all the age group and was found to be significant. Liver span had significant correlation with height (r=0.89) and weight (r=0.86). It also had significant correlation with age (r=0.90). There was no significant correlation between sex and mean liver span. Multiple linear regression revealed that age, height and weight had significant influence on liver span with age being the most important factor.
Conclusion: Clinical estimates of liver span closely correlates with ultrasound measurements. Clinical methods should continue to be used for estimation of liver size.
Keywords: liver span, palpation, ultrasound.
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